Its going to be in-tents!
4-6th SEPTEMBER 2026
What to expect
Dingbats Improv Retreat is back for it's fourth year - this time at a brand new location! We can't wait for another full weekend of improv fun!
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If you love improv and the great outdoors, then you're in for a treat. The Dingbats Improv retreat is going to be a weekend full of all things improv; including workshops during the day, jams and shows in the evening, and relaxing around the campfire.
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Dingbats Improv has always strived to create a fun, supportive environment at all our events, and this retreat is no different. It will not only be a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy improv, but a chance to escape, relax and get to know other like-minded improvisers in a friendly environment.
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We have hired an entire glamping site in East Sussex for the improv retreat. However, we won't just be improvising in a field like a bunch of cows. If the summer decides to end prematurely, you can enjoy the workshops, shows, and meal times in our marquees.
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This event is open to anyone (aged 18+), not just Dingbats regulars! It will be a chance to get to know other brilliant improvisers, learn something new, and have a weekend to remember.
''I showed up in the middle of a campsite not knowing anyone... but the improv teaching, jamming and overall experience in nature did not disappoint!''
- Anna
''You couldn’t ask for a more fun-filled weekend - unless you were being terribly greedy! High quality workshops, great food and some of the friendliest most genuine people you’ll ever meet.'' - Harry
When
Friday 4th September 2026 - Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where
We have a new location this year which we are so excited to fill with word at a time stories and boy band love songs!
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The retreat will be at:
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Blackberry Wood Campsite, Streat Lane, Ditchling, Hassocks, BN6 8RS
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This campsite mixes hidden woodland camping, quirky accommodation, and the one and only... guinea pig world!
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There is a car park on site for those driving.
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For public transport the closest station is Plumpton train station , Hassocks train station is then roughly 3 miles away.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"A very special and memorable experience for anyone looking to expand their improv skills or who just wants a weekend of laughter with like-minded people."
- Cameron
PRICE
The base price: £320
We've changed the way we are pricing the retreat this year. Everyone pays the base price that covers all of the improv workshops, shows and food. There is no extra to pay if you Bring Your Own Tent (BYOT).
If you would like to upgrade your stay to one of the accommodation options below there will be an additional cost (listed below)
We ask for a 50% deposit to secure your place with the remainder of the budget being due 1st June 2026.
"The best weekend of improv joy! From improv jams to workshops and socialising, there's something for everyone. Fuelled by delicious food, surrounded by like-minded people, the entire weekend was a joyful escape from reality. "
- Elsa
''The community is amazing and I've seen my confidence as both a performer and in general grow massively''
- Will
ACcomModation
One of the main reasons why we have moved the retreat to Blackberry Wood is due to feedback from last year showing there was a need for more glamping options - something Blackberry Wood has a plenty!​
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Please note all accommodation is sold on a first come, first served basis - once you have paid your deposit you secure your accommodation choice.
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BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent)
This option is included within your base ticket price. There are pitches hidden throughout the woodland for you to pitch your own tent. Camp on your own pitch, or share with your friends and experience an authentic camping experience. There is a toilet and shower block in the woodlands for campers. There is a tea/hot drink making station on site and there are communal kitchens that can be easily accessed along with places to charge your mobile phone.
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GLAMPING OPTIONS
There are plenty of glamping options if you would like more comfort. Many come with en suite bathrooms and bedding provided, and several options include multiple beds (combinations of doubles, singles and/or bunks). You can book an entire glamping unit for yourself by paying the full price. Otherwise, you will need to arrange sharing with friends or partners and split the cost yourselves. The lead booker pays the full amount and you can decide who sleeps where between you.
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For furnished bell tents, you can book as a pair or book half a tent on your own. If you book half, we will allocate you a bell tent buddy.
Take a look at the many unique accommodations Blackberry Wood has to offer here:
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ITINERARY
Please be aware these details are subject to change before the weekend.
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Friday:
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Arrive from 3pm and settle into your accommodation or set up your tent!
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Friday afternoon workshops
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Games to get to know each other
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A food van will be providing dinner
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An improv jam including group warm up games to help us to all get to know each other
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Toast some marshmallows around the campfire and retreat to bed ready for a full day of improv!
Saturday:
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Early morning improv run (optional!)
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Early morning creative workshop
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Help yourself to breakfast and hot drinks at your own leisure
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Saturday morning improv workshops
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Lunch break, sandwiches and snacks provided
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Afternoon improv workshops - some of which will prepare you for performing as a group that evening
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A food van will be providing dinner
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The evening show will consist of the different groups that have spent the afternoon in workshops together (performing is optional)
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Relax around the campfire, with a hot chocolate
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Sunday:
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Enjoy a breakfast sarnie on the final morning of the retreat
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A Sunday morning improv workshop
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Take part in large improv games and fun to mark the end to a great weekend
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"Goodbye" and "See you next time"
Whats included in your ticket price
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A whole lot of Improv taught by experienced improv teachers
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Fantastic live improvised music by our resident improv-pianist Jon to accompany our improv evenings
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The accommodation option you have chosen
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Food! All meals for the weekend will be included. This means Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Sunday breakfast
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Complimentary tea and coffee, biscuits, and marshmallows the whole weekend
What to bring
Water, hot drinks and squash will be provided. Please bring any other soft drinks or alcoholic drinks you would like.
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If you own a camping chair and are able to bring it please do.
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A towel. Please bring your own towel if you plan to shower... please do plan to shower.
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Warm layers for the evening, a waterproof layer (just in case) and shoes that can cope with possible mud!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"What a weekend. 48 hours of non-stop fun. I learned new improv skills, met new friends and stretched my improv skills. What more could you ask for?!"
- Sara
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this weekend be A LOT of fun?
Ohhh yeah.
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Can I bring my campervan?
Yes. However, there are a limited number of campervan spaces with no electricity hook-up. Please let us know in advance if you would like to bring your campervan.
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Can you guarantee good weather?
If only. We really hope it will be a glorious sunny weekend like 2023 but as we know better than to trust the British weather we will be prepared with covered areas for classes, shows and eating. The rain at the 2024 retreat dampened no one's spirits - we still had an amazing time in the marquees.
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Will you cater for different dietary requirements - vegan, Coeliac etc ?
Yes! Please make sure to put any dietary requirements on your booking form so that we know to cater for your needs.​
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Who are the improv classes taught by?
The teachers are TBC but many of the workshops will be taught by Ed Pithie, founder of Dingbats Improv, who has been performing improv for 15 years and teaching for over 12 years and Jon Mizler, an experienced improv musician and musical theatre director. There are also plenty of other teachers. Previous teachers have included the regular teachers at Dingbats as well as Alex Menhams from Here and Now People in Woodbridge, Suffolk and Matt Sparkes from Improv Discovery Thame, Oxfordshire.
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How are rooms allocated?
We will sell accommodation on a first come, first served basis. Once you complete the form will you be given a deadline to pay your deposit to secure your spot in that accommodation. If the deadline is missed, it will be offered to the next person who requested this accommodation.
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Can I request to share a Bell Tent with my friend?
Yes sure just send us an email or write a note on your form, however both will need to pay their deposits to secure spots before they sell out.
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How old do you have to be to come?
18+
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What kind of food can I expect?
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In previous years the evening food trucks have been a mix of pizza, burritos, paella and burgers.
One of the mornings will be a continental breakfast with pastries, bread, crumpets, fruit, yoghurts and granola on offer, the other morning will be a breakfast bap (with continental breakfast still available if you would prefer)
Saturday lunch will be a mix of sandwiches, salads, crisps & fruit.
We have both morning and afternoon breaks between classes where tea, coffee and snacks are provided.
There are also evening snacks such as marshmallows, biscuits etc available.
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Feedback about the food from 2025 retreaters:
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"Really nice to have easy access to tea, coffee and snacks throughout."
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"Nice variety and always more than enough food. Loved the side salads, fruits and veggies etc!"
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"Above expectation! I felt there was a lot of options"
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"Great mix of snacks and meals."
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If you have any other questions please email dingbatsimprov@gmail.com and we will answer them as quickly as we can!
